Family Fun Things to Do in Clearwater County

Clearwater County is a rural community in the south eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains – meeting both Banff & Jasper Provincial Park. Roughly 12, 000 people call Clearwater County home.

With its close proximity to Red Deer, Calgary, and Edmonton, there is no need for cities within the county itself. Instead people in Clearwater County enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, with the mountains as both the stage and the backdrop.

There are plenty of family friendly adventures awaiting you in Clearwater County. If you are ever in the area, be sure to check out some of the beautiful waterfalls including Ram Falls and Siffleur Falls. If you enjoy horseback riding, be sure to take a tour with one of the many companies in the area which include Chungo Creek Outfitters and Mckenzie Trails West. Whatever you and your family choose to do, you will not be disappointed by the amazing views and choices of things to do!

Going on a ten km hike and getting to view a beautiful waterfall along the way sounds like a great way to spend a beautiful day. Siffleur Falls is an easy hike, making it perfect for a fun, family adventure. As checking out a waterfall in the winter is definitely something that should be on everyone’s bucket list this is one hike you may want to consider doing during the winter. Details

Brazeau Collieries Mine Site & Nordegg Heritage Museum

The Brazeau Collieries Mine Site and Nordegg Heritage Museum is another terrific family adventure, with a museum, an old mine shaft, a briquette plant, and a cafe restaurant all in the same location. The mine site has two different tours available. The first tour is the Auxiliary Tour which takes you around all the workshops, houses, and external workings of the mining operation. It also takes people into the entrance of the mine shaft. The second tour takes you through the briquette plant. You get to explore the entire factory, and the sites are definitely worth all the hills and stairs you will encounter along the way. Each day that the tour runs one will go in the morning and the other in the afternoon. If you have to time to spend the whole day there make sure to catch both tours! The museum itself is also worth taking the time to check out. While there be sure to check out the gift shop and Miner’s Cafe, which is said to have the best homemade pie in all of Alberta! Details

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site

Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission

Rocky Mountain House was once a large fur trade center. The National Historic Site is now a place full of exhibits, four forts, archaeological remains, and Metis demonstrations. This is a really neat place to take the kids, learning about the history of the fur trade and how it helped to share our nation. The extra fee for the interpretive programs and overnight stay at the fort are totally worth it as well! Details

Ram Falls Recreation Area

There are many Provincial Recreation Areas (PRA) in Clearwater County. Many of them have camping available, making them a fantastic place to take the kids. People of all ages enjoy a good waterfall and Ram Falls is definitely a sight to be seen. Beyond the actual falls, Ram Falls Recreation Area has day use, camping, and group use areas available. Camping, hiking, wildlife viewing–this area is known for its big horn sheep, fishing, geocaching, cross country skiing and off site snowmobiling are just some of the things you can enjoy at Ram Falls Recreation Area. Details

Mckenzie Trails West

Mckenzie Trails West is a family owned horseback riding operation that has 50 years of guiding experience. This is a great place to bring the kids (they recommend a minimum age of six years old) to introduce them to horseback riding, or encourage their interest to further expand. There are 10 minute lead rope pony rides available, as well as ½ hour horseback rides, hour long rides all the way to 12 day adventures. Although a 12 day trip might be a little over the top for the family, spending a couple hours at Mckenzie Trails West definitely won’t disappoint. Details

Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area

Fish Lake PRA Campground is one of the only PRAs in the area to offer campsites with power. There are non serviced sites available as well. In total there are over 100 sites, including some pull through and some waterfront sites, making this an appealing campground for many different types of campers. At Fish Lake you and your family can go fishing, hiking, play horseshoes, go boating, and enjoy the water with a little swimming. Details

Crescent Falls Provincial Recreation Area is yet another great PRA in Clearwater County. If camping near a waterfall is something you’ve always wanted to do with your family then this is definitely the place for you! The campground itself has 29 unserviced sites making it a smaller and less crowded PRA than some of the others mentioned. Crescent Falls rec area also has great fishing, hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as geocaching sites and a great beach. Details

Goldeye Lake

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Goldeye Lake Provincial Recreation Area is perfect for those campers who like to feel away from it all without actually being all that far from it all! Goldeye Lake PRA is only 11 km from Nordegg, so if the need arises you can easily find your way back to civilization. This year round PRA is available for cross country skiing and ice fishing in the winter as well as camping, hiking, geocaching, boating, kayaking, swimming, and more in the summer, making it the perfect place for a family getaway. There are 44 campsites available at Goldeye Lake PRA. Details

Abraham Lake

Photo Credit: Jeff Walllace

Abraham Lake is a lake that you will want to bring your kids to during the winter. Unlike typical lakes this one is a man made. It is clear and turquoise and spectacular, but what makes it so special is the bubbles that form under the surface when it freezes each year. The sight will make both you and your kids “ooh” and “aww” in wonder. Details

Chungo Creek Outfitters

Going on a trip with your family away from it all will sound like a fantastic idea to some and a nightmare for others. If you fall into the prior category, consider giving Chungo Creek Outfitters a try. Chungo Creek combines horseback riding adventures with rustic, electricity free cabins. Surrounded by river, forest, and mountains, your entire family is sure grow a greater appreciation for the wilderness. Details

Canyon Creek Golf and Camping

Canyon Creek Golf and Camping is a great little golf course suitable for all levels of golfers. With three three elevated tees at each hole, this is a great course to bring the kids to learn how to golf. It isn’t an overly long course either, and should take no more than 4 hours to complete. Note that all people on the course must be golfers, no extra walkers are permitted. With the beautiful scenery and option to stay and camp at Canyon Creek Golf course, you can stay for a few hours or a few days, whatever you prefer! Details

JKL Trail Rides & Petting Zoo

JKL Trail Rides & Petting Zoo is a place where people can go on trail rides of all lengths, from one hour to one day, as well as a petting zoo with all sorts of animals to pet and enjoy. Kids and adults alike will have a blast at JKL! Of course, the view of the Rocky Mountains only adds to the excitement! Details

West Fraser Outdoor Discovery Park

West Fraser Outdoor Discovery Park is a fun park in Nordegg. It appeals to people of all ages with its exercise area for adults, pump track, slides, jungle gym, climbing rocks, plus plenty of space to lay down a blanket and have a picnic while enjoying the scenic views of Nordegg, Alberta. Details

High Country Berries

There is nothing more refreshing than fresh from the garden berries. At High Country Berries you will find a 3 acre berry orchard offering saskatoons, raspberries, and honey berries. With the option to purchase pre-picked berries or to pick your own, going to High Country Berries is a great way to spend an afternoon on the farm. Details